Tag Archives: Iraq security

Iranian foreign policy expert, Mohammad Ali-Ramin, told the Mehr News Agency, that regardless of American motives, Iran must participate in the next round of talks with the United States over issues related to the security of Iraq. He argued the needs of the Iraqi people should take precedence over any anger among Iranians toward the United States. Ali-Ramin argues the mere fact the Bush administration is asking for Iranian participation in discussions is indicative of its new role in helping to shape policy in the region. The Mehr News Agency also asked the advice of Dr. Pirouz Mojtahedzadeh of the Urosevic Research Foundation in London, who emphasized that America will most probably continue insulting Iran even as it reaches out to Iranian leaders for their support in maintaining security in Iraq.

Some Iranian experts such as political analyst Alireza Davari, believe the ultimate goal for the Iranian government is reaching into higher levels of the American government if there is to be long term accomplishments in changing relations with the United States. Davari urges Iranian government leaders to ignore the Bush rhetoric which asks for Iranian help while condemning Iran for creating violence in Iraq. In the meantime, the Iranian government continues insisting it seeks discussions with the United States. Hopefully, a new administration in Washington will move forward by ceasing rhetoric and engaging in meaningful negotiations with Iran.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a trip to Basra in Iraq to formalize handing over control of the city and area to Iraqi forces. He commented, “not that violence has ended, but we are able to move to provincial Iraqi control.” Brown contacted Prime Minister Maliki who was pleased that within two weeks, Iraqi forces would be in control of the area. However, Basra’s chief of police, Jalil Khalaf, was still uncertain if his forces could manage ensuring security for the area.

British troops are in the process of completely evacuating the area and allowing Iraq police and soldiers to handle security. In a sense, it is good news that Iraq feels confident it can handle security issues, but, the bad news is what happens when British troops are complete withdrawn? Will there be new outbreaks of violence? Have Sunni and Shiites been able to agree on issues in order to ensure that both groups feel comfortable with the Shiite government in control? There are as many questions as answers in the rather complex problem of how to withdraw without opening the doors to renewed violence.